The introductory workshop took place on Saturday 21 January 2012 at the Ansteys Building. The premise of the workshop was for the exhibition team, the artists and the children to meet each other. The curator (Portia Malatjie), the exhibition administrator (Puleng Plessie), members of Assemblage (Anthea Pokroy, Mandy Johnston and Louise Ross), Urban Arts Platform members (Leigh Nudelmann and Gina) and the Ansteys children (Reabetwe Seetelo (16), Matlhogonolo (Mazaza) Moleta (10), Lebogang Moleta (9), Thato Mahlaela (12), Felicia Makhoba (11), Thabang Mogale (13), Naledi Matlejoane (11), Sammy Phetla (16), Gavin Dunn (15), Bheki Hlongwane (15), Karabo Ratshidi (15), Neo Ratshidi (11), Gugulethu Mncube (10), Brian Tyindyi(14), Precious Macemunce(14), Tlhalefo Seetelo (11) and Ntombi Dube (12)) and artists (Benon Luutaya, Mbali Khoza, Lehlogonolo Mashaba, Nathan Janse van Vuuren and Laura de Harde) were present.
The workshop begun with an icebreaker (a balloon game which all participants had to engage in) and was followed by a brief introduction to the project by Portia Malatjie. Louise Ross then facilitated a postcard activity- artists, children and the exhibition team were all given postcards and asked to give their answers to the question “What is Art”. The children had fun with abstract expressionistic interpretations of the question, while the artists were particularly engrossed in the activity, sure to produce what could potentially be great artworks. The activity was light, enjoyable with different but equally engaging results from everyone.
Artist Mbali Khoza thinking up a masterpiece
Artist Lehlogonolo Mashaba hard at work
Some of the children working on their postcards
The postcard activity was followed by a brief history of art. This was facilitated by Mandy Johnston. Mandy also facilitated a hand mandala making activity, which closed the proceedings of the day. A lunch of cheese and tomato sandwiches with some juice was served before everyone parted.
All in all, the first workshop was a great success. The artists and children present were able to get a sense of what is to come while having great fun in the process. Everyone got a chance to meet everyone, and we all look forward to the following workshop.
The next workshop is the drawing workshop which will be facilitated by artist Nathan Janse van Vuuren on Saturday 28 January 2012, at the Ansteys Building. The workshop will take place between 10am and 2pm. Should you wish to volunteer or donate any materrial, please contact us on displayproject@gmail.com.
Compiled by Portia Malatjie.
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